Encompass Digital Media...CEO Resigns Two Step In To Carry On (SatBroadcasting | Business)

[SatNews] “After five intense years working to build Encompass into the preeminent global provider of video origination and distribution services, I have decided it is time to step down.”

Encompass Digital Media, a leading provider of worldwide television channel origination, live sports and news distribution, digital media and government services, today announced that Simon Bax has resigned as Encompass CEO and Board member.

Encompass further announced that Ed Horowitz, early Board member and investor, will join Bill Tillson, the company’s current President, COO and Co-founder, in establishing the Encompass Office of the CEO. Together they will continue to build the business and lead the company in providing 24/7 mission-critical services to Encompass’ premier local, regional and global media customers.

In announcing his departure, Bax, who will remain an Encompass shareholder and will be an advisor to the Office of the CEO, said, “After five intense years working to build Encompass into the preeminent global provider of video origination and distribution services, I have decided it is time to step down. Now that Encompass has completed the primary acquisition and build-out of its worldwide facilities, the travel required and the need to center the company’s corporate headquarters in the U.S., while my family is based in the U.K., has led me to conclude that this is the time to relinquish my role.”

Horowitz has had a long and distinguished career in the telecommunications sector. In the past he has worked as the Chairman and CEO of Viacom’s Broadcast and Interactive Media divisions. In 1997, he founded and was Chairman of e-Citi which pioneered the implementation of e-commerce and financial services at Citigroup. He also served as President and CEO of SES Americom, a market-leading satellite company serving media, enterprise, and U.S. government customers. Mr. Horowitz currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Fairpoint Communications (FRP) and is on the Board of Online Resources Corporation (ORCC).

“It has been an extraordinary five years working with my co-founder, Simon,” commented Tillson. “With the global assets we have acquired, the extraordinary team we have assembled and the services we provide to our media customers, we have created an unparalleled, worldwide content management and distribution company. I have known Ed for over thirty years and his in-depth knowledge and vast experience within the satellite and broadcast television industries is unmatched. Having Ed join Encompass reflects the stature the company has achieved through its focus on performance, innovation and technology.”

“Encompass has built an inter-connected, worldwide organization that serves a local, regional and global customer base. With this infrastructure, we are able to provide a platform which enables our clients to easily expand their business model cost-effectively,” commented Horowitz. “I look forward to continuing my long-standing relationship with Bill as we partner to take the company to its next level. I join the entire Encompass Board in thanking Simon for all he has contributed to the success we have achieved to date.”